Insects Meaning and Definition
Insects
Pronunciation
/ˈɪnsekts/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A small, invertebrate animal, typically having a three-part body (head, thorax, and abdomen), usually moving on six legs, and often having one or two pairs of wings.
Etymology
The word “insect” comes from the Latin “insectum,” meaning “crawling” or “moving about,” from “insector,” meaning “insectivorous” or “eating insects.”
Usage Notes
Insects can be used in various contexts, such as in biology, medicine, or everyday conversation, to refer to a wide range of small, invertebrate animals.
Cultural References
Notable appearances of the word “insects” can be found in literature, film, and television, such as in works by Charles Darwin, H.G. Wells, and in modern-day TV shows like “Doctor Who” and “Star Trek.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- a plague of insects
- insect-like
Related Words or Phrases
- Arthropod
- Pest
- Invertebrate
Collocations
- insect bites
- insect repellent
- insecticides
Frequency of Use
The word “insects” is commonly used in everyday conversation, and it is estimated to appear in over 10,000 references in published works per year.
Common Misspellings
- insetts
- inseects
- insects